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New York Knicks: 3 biggest questions before Atlanta Hawks series

By Chip Murphy

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks playoff question No. 1: Will Julius Randle continue to dominate the Hawks?

Julius Randle is coming off a historic season. His averages of 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists with a 3-point percentage of 41.1 percent have only been equaled by one player in NBA history: Larry Bird. When Bird did it in ’85 he was named MVP.

Randle was dominant all season long but he didn’t dominate anyone the way he dominated the Hawks. He scored 112 points against the Hawks this season. He had two incredible 40 point games and another gem that was one assist short of a triple-double (28 points, 17 rebounds, 9 assists). Randle finished the season series with averages of 37.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on an unreal shooting slash of .581/.500/.818.

The Hawks have received praise about their improved defense since McMillan took over, but let’s not anoint them the ’04 Pistons just yet. Randle dropped 40 on this team last month. There’s no reason to think that the first-time All-Star won’t continue his dominance in this series.

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